The Esplanade Mall has seen a significant decline in activity, with the Kenner City Council planning for its redevelopment.
The Kenner City Council has unanimously rejected a proposal to subdivide the Esplanade Mall, which has seen a decline in activity. The council believes maintaining the mall as a single entity will attract larger developers and transformative projects. Local officials emphasize the need for redevelopment amidst concerns over tax liabilities and economic challenges for Kenner, which relies heavily on sales tax revenue. A $500,000 study is planned to generate new solutions for the mall’s future, as residents express mixed feelings about potential changes to the area.
In a pivotal moment for Kenner, Louisiana, the City Council has made a firm decision regarding the future of the Esplanade Mall, which has faced a significant decline in recent years. Once a bustling hub of shopping and community interaction, the mall now features only a Target store and a Dillard’s outlet among its vast corridors.
The owners of the Esplanade Mall, Windfall USA and Pacifica Square, who purchased the property for a hefty $10 million in 2023, sought to subdivide the mall to make way for a new hotel. However, the Council shot down this idea unanimously. The decision reflects a desire to keep the property as a single entity, which local officials believe will attract more substantial developers and transformative projects.
Council members expressed their disappointment with the mall’s current state, hoping to usher in new life through redevelopment. Plans have been on the table for a while, including an ambitious vision for a lifestyle center filled with retail spaces, dining options, and even apartments. Yet, since proposals were made last year, progress has been stagnant.
Amidst these discussions, some council members raised concerns about the mall owners’ financial responsibilities, particularly allegations of over $320,000 in delinquent property taxes. This figure includes around $130,000 due for both the 2023 and 2024 tax years alongside $190,000 dating back to 1992, owed by previous owners. The mall’s attorney, however, disputes these allegations, claiming that they only just received their current tax bill.
According to local officials, issues like vandalism and theft, including notable incidents of copper theft, have hampered redevelopment efforts. Furthermore, Kenner’s economy is feeling the squeeze, as the city reportedly loses a significant amount in sales tax revenue while the mall remains mostly closed. With sales tax accounting for about 70% of the city’s general fund, this is a pressing concern.
In hopes of finding new solutions, Council member Arita Bohannan plans a $500,000 study aimed at crafting a master plan for the Esplanade and the surrounding area, potentially consolidating ownership to expedite redevelopment. In recent public meetings, residents expressed a mix of enthusiasm and concern over proposed changes. Although many support the idea of modernizing the area, the impact of such developments on the existing community remains a substantial discussion point.
Kenner is not unique in facing these challenges, as many suburban malls across the country grapple with declining foot traffic due to the rise of online shopping. Notable mentions include the Metro at Clearview, offering luxury living in Metairie, and a new apartment complex in Marrero’s Belle Promenade.
Residents have reported deteriorating conditions around the mall, including malfunctioning traffic lights, especially near Dillard’s, adding to the overall concerns about the area’s safety and appeal. The Council remains committed to finally presenting the community’s redevelopment proposals in August. What remains to be seen is whether these plans can breathe new life into a beloved shopping location—once the heart of the community— and restore it to a vibrant space that Kenner residents can enjoy once again.
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